Since some of my kiddos at school are bilingual, and TAKS is just around the corner, I have been working with some small groups in my old 3rd grade class. We have been doing reading passages.
Today, one of my boys came up to me and was so excited. He had gotten a 100 on his reading quiz. I was very proud of him. When I expressed my joy and excitement for him, he simply said, "Miss Martin, it was all because you helped me."

Oh my goodness! I had to leave so he wouldn't see me cry. It was such an eye opening moment, one that I will remember forever. To know that I made a difference in a child's life makes all of the projects, papers, sleepless nights and long days completely worth it!



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I try not to get too stressed out...but with school and work and family, it has been an ongoing thing for the last few months. I have been trying to relieve some of the stress by relaxing. Going to movies by myself, reading, driving with the windows down, taking naps outside, and drawing are all things that relax me.

I have to be in certain moods to be able to draw and produce anything remotely worthy. The other day, my sister in law posted a picture of her aggie ring on eli's hand. It is adorable. So, while sitting at starbucks, mad because I had left a book at home I decided to draw.

This is what I came up with. It is still a work in progress. I need to add more to it, and transfer it to other paper...but it is okay.




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Dear Eli-
What a blessing you are for the family. It is so neat to see your mommy and daddy go from wife and husband to mommy overnight! They love you so much and have taken on the roles very well.
I love seeing all of the updates that your daddy puts up. You have so much blonde hair in that little head! Always remember that God knew and loved you before you were born. Your mom and dad loved you before you were born. All of your new family loved you before you were born!
I can't wait to meet you, precious one! Keep gaining weight and getting bigger! And keep making the nurses stay on their toes. I think your great grandfather, Bappaw, may have taught you some things.... :)
Sweet dreams, little one! You will be home soon!


Aunt Manda


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Dear Eli-
What can I say? I have loved you from the moment I got the news that you would be a Martin. You have been prayed for even before you were born...even before you were conceived. Once again, God showed his amazing power and promise of fulfilling his children's desires in His precious time. You are a miraculous answer to a family's prayer. You are the beginning of a new dynamic in the Martin household.

I don't know if you will ever realize the amount of people you have on your side. People that don't even know your mommy and daddy are praying and praising God for you!

Your mom and dad are busy preparing your room...with a space for me to stay when I come to visit. I think uncle Keith is already dreaming up ways to help you to annoy and humor your parents.
Grumps and honey seem ecstatic to have a grandson. I can't wait to see their faces as they hold you for the first time. I will tell anyone who will listen about you. I make sure they know the blessing and joy you have brought to our family.
You will be spoiled, babe... I bought you an elephant a few days after I knew you were here.





If you pull his tail, he plays music!

I can't wait to kiss and hug you...hold you and feed you. I will even change you (maybe) :)
I also can't wait to "kick" mom and dad out and have "Aunt Mir" time with you!! Maybe we can get grumps to make his famous chocolate cookies :)

Your daddy's family is loud, crazy, funny and the best role models of how to be a family. Your mommy's side is just the same.

There will be time to play and laugh, wrestle and snuggle... But for now, rest...eat...grow...and get better! You are loved, my boy, very, very loved!






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My ears are still ringing from the concert. I maybe (will be) tired tomorrow but I had so much fun!! The sleepiness was worth it.

Saturday and Sunday I spent the days at discovery green in downtown Houston. I went with a friend and saw panic at the disco, king's of Leon, Roger creager,





pat green,





uncle kracker,
and KENNY CHESNEY!





It was a blast and completely free!! :)